The IRGC Navy is the maritime warfare branch of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Known for harassing commercial and naval vessels, seizing tankers, and asserting Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz. Recently, it has enforced unilateral transit rules in the Strait, struck vessels, and threatened U.S. regional bases following American military strikes. Last updated Jul 4th, 2026
IRGC Navy: 'Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible via routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran.'
"A few hours ago, without informing or coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced...
IRGC Navy: 'Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible via routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran.'
"A few hours ago, without informing or coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran, some authorities announced a new route for ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is unacceptable and completely dangerous.
It is hereby informed to all that the only authorized route for passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the routes announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Navigation of vessels outside these routes is very dangerous and prohibited, and we warn to strictly avoid any navigation outside the notified routes.
Coordination with the IRGC Navy for passage through the Strait of Hormuz via Channel 16 is mandatory, and violator vessels will be dealt with."
The IRGC Navy, holding more than 22,500 mariners hostage aboard over 1,550 commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, released a statement thanking "captains and shipowners in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman for complying with Iran's Strait of Hormuz regulations." The statement claimed the "aggressor's threats" have been "neutralized" and that "new protocols" will ensure "safe, stable passage."
IRGC Navy Command: 'With the end of the aggressors' threats and in the shadow of new procedures, the possibility of safe and sustainable passage through the Strait will be provided.'
❗️🇮🇷 IRGC Navy issues VHF broadcast alert to vessels:
“Attention all vessels, attention all vessels. If you cross into the Strait of Hormuz without permission from the Islamic Republic of Iran, you will be targeted and destroyed”
Iranian media reports the IRGC Navy has instructed vessels to remain at anchorage in the Gulf, warning that any approach toward the Strait of Hormuz will be treated as cooperation with the enemy.
Strait of Hormuz remains open for civilian vessels under "smart control". Military vessels approaching the strait will be considered ceasefire violation and met with "severe response"
CENTCOM obliterating additional IRGC Navy ships: “For decades, Iranian vessels threatened and harassed international navigation in the regional maritime area, but those days are over.”
